Climate change could cause heat-related deaths to increase in UK

Climate change will lead to a five-fold increase in the number of heat-related deaths in Britain over the next 70 years, experts are warning.

Climate change may increase the number of heat-related deaths in the UK by 540% (Picture: PA)

As temperatures rise by up to five per cent by 2080, 11,000 people could die in heatwaves every year, up from 2,000 at present.

Warmer weather could also mean Britons may start to contract tropical diseases as insects migrate north, according to the Health Protection Agency.

HPA chairman Dr David Heymann said: ‘There is no doubt that climate change poses a wide range of challenges to public health in the UK.

‘From increased risks of heatwaves through to potentially greater exposure to air pollution, indoors and outdoors, and potential changes to established pollen seasons, there are many issues, all of which need further research and attention if we are to adapt to or mitigate the effects.’

The organisation urged the government to think about potential impacts on every aspect of life.